After your family photo session, one of the first things I send is your draft gallery.


Almost every family asks me the same question.


"Why are all of the photos black and white?"


The answer is simple.


By removing color, I want you to focus on what matters most. The expressions, the connection, the composition, the light, and the emotion.

Black and white family portrait on a wooden deck, multi-generational group smiling and laughing together outdoors.

Does Removing Color Make Choosing Photos Easier?

I think so.


Most families receive well over 100 draft photographs. Looking through that many images can feel overwhelming.


Without color competing for your attention, it's much easier to notice the moments that stand out.

Instead of asking,


"Do I like the colors?"


you naturally begin asking,


"Does this photograph make me smile?"



Those are usually the photographs families end up printing and hanging on their walls.

Black and white family portrait of two adults and two girls in dresses on a beach boardwalk.

What Should I Look for Instead of Color?


As you go through your draft gallery, I encourage you to ask yourself:

  • Does this photo make me smile?
  • Can I picture this hanging in my home?
  • Are the expressions genuine?
  • Does this remind me of our family?
  • Does it capture this stage of our lives?


Those answers matter much more than whether the sky was blue or the sunset was orange.

Black and white beach photo of a multigenerational family of five women and girls smiling together on sandy shore.

When Do My Photos Get Edited in Color?

Once you've selected your favorites, I begin editing each photograph individually.


Every selected image is color corrected and lightly retouched before it's delivered in your final gallery.


Because I'm only editing the photographs you love most, I can spend more time on each one instead of rushing through hundreds of images.

Black and white photo of a mother kissing her young daughter on a beach, both with long dark hair.

Can I Choose Black and White for My Final Gallery?

Absolutely.


Some photographs simply feel stronger in black and white, while others are better in color.


If you'd like a mix of both, just let me know. I'm happy to deliver your favorites in whichever style fits each photograph best.


For me, the goal has never been choosing between color or black and white.


It's helping you choose the photographs you'll still enjoy looking at years from now.